Elizabeth VFC swiftwater rescue team recertified
By CHRISTINE HAINES
chaines@yourmvi.com
The Elizabeth Volunteer Fire Company has been recertified as one of 12 Swiftwater Type 2A rescue teams in Pennsylvania and is now working toward becoming a 1A certified team.
“We are part of Allegheny County’s 1A Swiftwater Rescue team,” said fire Chief Chad Rager. “There are eight departments that make up that team.”
The swiftwater rescue team was formed in Elizabeth borough 10 years ago, initially certified as a 3A team. Teams are classified based on size, equipment and training. A 3A team must have at least four members and one boat. A 2A team requires at least six members and some additional equipment.
The Elizabeth VFC swiftwater team achieved 2A certification for the first time in 2012 and has recertified every three years since. There are currently 14 certified swiftwater technicians on the team.
“You have to complete classes through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission: water rescue awareness, water rescue emergency response, emergency boat operations, advanced line systems and ice rescue,” said Charles Smith, the department’s president and safety officer.
“My goal is to have a 1A team. We have three years to get there,” Rager said, referring to the next certification period.
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